CIOs Emerge as Leading 'News Junkies'

Extra! Extra! Here's the latest headline: CIOs and other IT decision-makers are typically more informed about current events than the rest of the U.S. population, according to a recently released Harris Poll. In fact, they're far more likely to describe themselves as "news junkies" than Americans in general, findings reveal. And they're also more inclined to read every word of an article. So what do CIOs like to read? For starters, any article of merit needs to be supported by credible research. (Hey! We're pretty sure we do that here at CIO Insight!) But it also helps to see catchy headlines (we're good on that one, too) and pictures and illustrations (make that three for three!) Ultimately, CIOs should take pride in the results, because they're depicted as more well-rounded and knowledgeable about world events than the average American. And that makes for an executive who's better positioned to contribute value to an organization's greater mission, as opposed to just weighing in on "tech stuff." Nearly 300 U.S. IT decision-makers and more than 2,285 adults took part in the research. For more about the survey, click here.

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Information Addiction

36% of CIOs and other IT decision-makers describe themselves as "news junkies," compared to 13% of the general population.

How IT Decision-Makers Prefer to Read Online News

On a traditional computer: 45%, A tablet: 12%, A smartphone-type device: 9%

Network Outage

Only one-quarter of IT decision-makers like to get news on TV, compared to 50% of other adults.

Word Power

59% are drawn to an article by a catchy headline, compared to 53% of the general population.

Prove It

59% are looking for interesting data and research to support an article, compared to 41% of other adults.

Eye Candy

55% are drawn to an interesting picture that accompanies an article, compared to 38% of the general population.

Numbers Display

48% are more likely to read an article if it has an interesting graphic, compared to 26% of other adults.

Byline Status

20% care who the author is, compared to 9% of the general population.

Faith Factor

Nine of 10 are more likely to trust an article if it's supported by credible research.

How IT Decision-Makers Will Read a News Story

They'll normally just read headlines and one or two stories in full: 32%, They'll skim a full article: 25%, They'll read headlines and a few sentences into a story: 18%, They read every word of an article: 21%